Why We Organised Capacity Building Workshop For Ijemo Chiefs- High Chief Kufile

By ABIODUN JIMOH, ABEOKUTA
February 19th, 2020 will forever remain a day of reckoning in Ijemo Traditional Council as it organised Capacity Building Workshop for Ijemo Chiefs to deliberate on how to further the peace and harmonious relationships within the council as well as moving the community to greater height.
This historical workshop witnessed a large turnout of chiefs in Ijemo and many other notable chiefs and lots of dignitaries across Egba land, in which lessons and paramount discussions were deliberated throughout, while all participants at the end went home loaded.
The one day workshop with the theme ‘ Preserving Our Culture: Egba Traditional Council, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’ held at OK Centre, Ibara Housing, Abeokuta, featured papers presentation by notable chiefs from Egba land who used the occasion to educate them on their various roles, how to relate with one another as chiefs, and many others issue of great importance.
In his key note address, the Oluwo of Ijemo, High Chief Oluyinka Kufile, expressed satisfaction at the turnout of his chiefs even within the short notice of the meeting. He hereby urged them to allow peace to continually reign in Ijemo land, adding that there can be no development in the atmosphere of rancour.
While emphasising on the reason for organising the workshop for Ijemo Chiefs, High Chief Kufile, who also is the Aro Egba said: “The purpose of this workshop is to enlighten and educate our people, so that each and everyone of them will know their rights and they will know the dos and don’ts.
“We have been able to say much and then subsequently, we will come for the second stage of it, while at the end of the day, we will be able to expand it to the Egba level.
“The expectation is that, it is a beautiful idea, and off course, many other people will copy it and also expand it to incorporate other most township and possibly Egba in general.”
Responding on advice to the youth in the land and beyond, he urged that the youth should work hard and not depend on anybody. “There is no shortcut to achieve anything unless they work hard to build their own business. 
“Whether it is your business or whatever, you just start somewhere. If you want to build your own business like this one, you are not the owner of the company, you have to do it diligently.”
Moreover, in his paper presentation titled ‘Intersectional relationship within the traditional institution in Egbaland’, High Chief Akanni Akinwale, the Bagbimo Egba, who divulged into memory lane noted that after the settlement in Abeokuta in 1830, the Egba people having been relieved a bit of continuous inter-tribal warfare, were also able to devote themselves into a harmonious, autonomous and democratic community.
He further stated that the government of each township and action was managed by its king and township chiefs within the  section, but matter of grave importance were brought to the Alake and his council, which each section consisted of four categories of chiefs namely: The Ogboni, the Parakoyi, the Olorogun, the Jagunjagun (Ologun), and the Odes.
High Chief Akinwale elaborated on function of these chiefs as the Ogboni were the statesmen, whose business was to enact law, judge cases, and elect, discuss and advice the king in all matters affecting the government.
“The Parakoyi business was to further the commercial interest of the township to which they belonged. They attended the important markets to settle any disputes arising in the course of the markets and to safeguard and protect the prospects of trade, as well as to make rules and regulations some of which still exist today.
“The Olorogun were the war chiefs, all military matters were discussed and determined privately every 17 and 33 days except in cases of emergency when special  meetings were convened. They elected their officers and members themselves and obtained blessings from the Ogboni.
“Jaguna is the head and Commander in Chief, having his lieutenants and others. The Ode were great importance, especially in time of war, when their main duties were to reconnoitre and report to the Ogboni and the Olorogun and act as scouts for the army to guard the town, and to make and repair roads for the army.”
Similarly, Odofin Itoku, High Chief Kehinde Sofenwa in his presentation titled ‘Sectional Roles, functions and responsibilities’ counseled them on the need to leave the area of seniority, but to work as a team that will move the land forward.
Chief Sofenwa, the Banto Egba said: “Let everyone knows his or her own role, this will make each and everyone to be able to function very well in advancing the development of our town. If you want to serve, serve very well.
“Agitations for correction of tradition should be carefully deal with as any attempt to correct it either by adding or subtracting could amount to destruction and chaos. Tradition should be respected at all time. We should preserve our culture with diligent.”
On his part, Baasala Egba, High Chief F. I. Sotunde who also presented paper entitled  ‘Traditional settings and proceedings’ stressed that Balogun title was not an Egba title but was derived from Ibadan after the war.
He advised that anyone who is or want to be an Ogboni should be neat and person of worthy character. “Title should be given to those who are capable, not by favouritism or because the person has money. 
“No Ogboni, no Egba land. It is not a secret cult as people perceived it. It is in the Holy Bible too. Youth who want to become member should be calm, have tangible work doing, and be patience and ready to learn from others,” he said.